Family Holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

Travelling Companions

Q. Is it only parents and children who are allowed on your family trips?
A. The more the merrier, we like to say. We welcome all parents (including single parents) and children and you’re free to bring along any aunties, uncles and family friends too. Our only rule is that there is at least one child under 18 years travelling with you. Older families should check out our worldwide trips.

Q. What’s the minimum age for children on a family trip?
A. We understand all children are different, which is why we offer a recommended minimum age for each trip. We offer easygoing infant trips, which are ideal for families with young children over 2 years. Trips with more activities, which are great for children over 5, 6, 7 or 8 years. Or for the truly adventurous, our exciting teenage trips and departures are for over 12s only and offer more challenging and intrepid itineraries.

Q. Do parents and children spend all their time together?
A. Our small group adventure style means we’re often out on the road, experiencing new places or trying out a new activity together. But we know that sometimes parents want to relax with other adults and children don’t always want mum and dad cramping their style. We find that during free time and in the evenings, the kids all gather together, whilst the adults relax close by. However parent supervision is a must at all times. 

Food

Q. My child is a fussy eater. Will there be special meals for kids?
A. We eat at local restaurants that serve a great variety of freshly made, delicious food. So you should be able to find a few dishes that you like.  Special kids’ menus are not always available in some countries. If you’re worried, we recommend you try some of the local dishes at home together before you go.

Q. What if my child has a food allergy?
A. We will do our best to accommodate any food requirements on trip, please advise our Travel Consultants before you book. However in some restaurants, it may be difficult to ascertain that food is completely allergen free. If you are in any doubt, we advise you take along snacks from home and use the same precautions as you would at home.

Q. Is there always a vegetarian option?
A. We always try to offer a vegetarian option. Picnics and buffet style meals tend to include lots of salads, rice dishes and breads. But some countries offer limited vegetarian options. Others are fantastic: India can be a revelation for vegetarians with a vast array of tempting veggie-friendly dishes, and South East Asia in general offers lots of exciting non-meat options.

Accommodation & Rooms

Q. Will there be a swimming pool?
A. We use hotels with swimming pools, wherever possible. But on some of our more intrepid trips, there may not be any hotels with pools in the area! You can check what swimming facilities are available on each trip page in this brochure, whether it’s a swimming pool, a freshwater lake or tempting tropical bays.

Q. Can children from different families share rooms if they like?
A. Children can become fast friends on our trips and often want to know if they can share rooms and have sleepovers. If there is space to shuffle once you have been handed your room keys, we are
happy for parents to decide on rooming arrangements, as they feel suitable.

Q. What will the hotel facilities be like?
A. No two hotels are alike on our adventures. You might stay in small guesthouses, eco-lodges, wilds camps, old colonial houses and even treehouses. As you can imagine, facilities will vary but our standards do not and we choose accommodation that is clean and comfortable with modern amenities.

Activities & Trekking

Q. Can children opt out of activities if they like?
A. Yes, everyone is free to opt out of activities. Depending on the activity, it may be possible to join the group and watch or you may prefer to stay at the hotel and do some independent exploring of your own. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, so if your child does wish to opt out, you will need to stay with them.

Please note that on trekking trips, it will be more difficult to opt out of trekking. Please chat with one of our Travel Consultants if you’re not sure.

Q. We are going on a walking trip. Do we need to buy specialist footwear for our children?
A. We recommend you take comfortable, sturdy trainers for your children to wear on long walks. If you’re joining one of our family treks, the terrain can be steep in places and rain is always a possibility, so choose a pair that is waterproof with a good grip. The most important thing is to wear them in before you go.

Group Leaders

Q. Are Group Leaders trained to work with children?
A. Yes. We choose leaders who are friendly, organised and absolute naturals with kids.  Our Group Leaders understand the needs of parents and undertake rigorous training when they join us. 

Q. Do Group Leaders provide childcare?
A. No, your Group Leader is on hand to handle all the logistics and ensure your trip runs smoothly. Parents are responsible for their children at all times.

Health & Safety

Q. How safe is an adventure holiday?
A. We have been awarded the BS 8848 Award in recognition of our excellent safety standards and procedures across all our trips. Our dedicated Health & Safety Manager ensures all of our trips, accommodation and activities (including optional activities) adhere to strict safety guidelines.